Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

A project was assigned to me and fellow students over the summer at my school, we were tasked with finding a way to help humanity in anyway. I have chosen to research smog and its potential use. As known by many people, smog is something that causes health problems and hinders the sight (from a distance) of cities. I have done research on the structure of smog and its components. I have researched the idea of converting CO2 into a source of energy. I was wondering if it was possible to use that same technology in a high denser area, and perhaps power something such as a building. I realize that this sort of technology is far off, but maybe with the items and ideas i have read about. It may not be impossible to get this idea up off the ground.

Welcome to the forum JScott.

You said "I have researched the idea of converting CO2 into a source of energy. I was wondering if it was possible to use that same technology..." I have not heard of such a technology. Could you provide a description and/or some web links to that technology that might help me to understand the basis of your proposal?

This was the website i came across: http://www.tomsguide.com/us/fuel-conver ... 10401.html
*I have checked out the credibility of this source and it checks out.

Thanks for the link. So the source of the energy is actually sunlight. The CO2 absorbs energy as it is converted to fuel. That energy becomes available again when the fuel is burned, releasing CO2. And thus the wheel turns & energy is conserved.

In my opinion, this concept is technologically infeasible -- but I am often wrong. (Some of my friends would make that always .) As Arthur C Clarke said “When a scientist says something is possible they are almost certainly right, but when a scientist says that something is impossible they are almost certainly wrong.”

There is certainly room for study and experiment with this concept. Maybe putting the algae on the rooftops?

Good luck with this interesting idea!

Alright, well thank you sir for your opinion I will take your opinion into consideration and do some more research.